Helmsman LLC has announced the appointment of Raj Mannar as Director and Head of its Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) practice, effective 1 September 2026. Mannar, who brings close to 15 years of experience in corporate and commercial matters, will be instrumental in strengthening Helmsman’s M&A capabilities across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Mannar’s extensive experience includes advising on transactions valued at over $500m, with his most recent role as Singapore counsel for Victory Giant Technology’s $2.6b listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s Top 40 Under 40 lawyers by LexisNexis and a Rising Star by AsiaLaw, Mannar is well-regarded for his expertise in cross-border acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings.
Ian Teo, Managing Director of Helmsman, expressed enthusiasm about Mannar’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Raj to Helmsman. His deep transactional experience across complex, cross-border matters and his track record advising clients through every stage of a deal make him an outstanding addition to our team.”
Mannar himself commented on his new role, saying, “Helmsman has built its reputation on commercial, client-focused advice, and I am delighted to join at this stage of the firm’s growth. I look forward to working with the team to build out the Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions practice in Singapore and across the region.”
Helmsman LLC, with offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, is a multidisciplinary law firm known for its comprehensive support on transactions and cross-border deals. The firm emphasises practical advice and delivering tangible results, making Mannar’s appointment a strategic move in its ongoing growth.



